SAINT MARTIN:--- On September 10, 2025, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) conducted its regular water quality tests at various swimming locations across Saint-Martin. The results provide a snapshot of the current conditions, focusing on bacteriological levels and physical properties to ensure swimmer safety. Overall, most beaches showed good-quality water, with one notable exception.
Key Findings by Beach
Summary of the findings for each tested location:
Anse Marcel
- The water quality was rated as good.
- Air temperature was 31.0°C and water temperature was 30.0°C.
- Transparency was excellent at 2.5 meters.
- Bacteriological levels were very low, with both Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) and Streptococci Fecaux (EI) measuring less than 15 per 100 ml.
Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay)
- This beach also presented good quality water.
- Air temperature reached 35.0°C, with the water at a warm 30.5°C.
- Transparency was 2 meters.
- E. Coli was measured at 30, and EI was less than 15 per 100 ml, both well within the safe range.
Baie de l'Embouchure (North)
- The water was determined to be of good quality for swimming.
- The air was 33.2°C and the water was 29.0°C.
- Transparency was lower at 0.5 meters, which is below the standard of 1 meter.
- Bacteriological results were minimal, with both E. Coli and EI levels below 15 per 100 ml.
Baie Longue (Long Bay)
- Water quality was rated as good.
- The air temperature was 35.0°C, and the water was a very warm 33.5°C.
- Transparency was 2 meters.
- E. Coli levels were 46, while EI was less than 15 per 100 ml.
Baie Orientale (Orient Bay) - North Point
- The north end of Orient Bay showed good-quality water.
- The air temperature was 31.0°C, and the water was 29.7°C.
- Transparency was clear at 2 meters.
- E. Coli was 15 and EI was less than 15 per 100 ml.
Baie Orientale (Orient Bay) - South Point
- The south end of Orient Bay also had good-quality water.
- Air temperature registered 31.7°C, with water at 29.5°C.
- Transparency was 2 meters.
- E. Coli was less than 15, while EI was slightly higher at 30 per 100 ml, still well within the good range.
Baie Rouge (Red Bay)
- The water here was of good quality.
- Air temperature was 34.2°C, and water temperature was 30.7°C.
- Transparency was recorded at 2 meters.
- E. Coli was 30, and EI was less than 15 per 100 ml.
Friar's Bay
- Friar's Bay demonstrated good quality water for swimming.
- Air temperature was 32.0°C, while the water was 30.2°C.
- Transparency was 2 meters.
- Both E. Coli and EI levels were very low, at less than 15 per 100 ml.
Galisbay
- The water at Galisbay was found to be of good quality.
- Air temperature was 32.7°C and water was 30.3°C.
- Transparency was 1.5 meters.
- E. Coli was measured at 61 and EI was less than 15 per 100 ml.
Grand-Case
- The water quality at Grand-Case beach was rated as average.
- Air temperature was 32.1°C, with water at 30.2°C.
- Transparency was 2 meters.
- The E. Coli level was 179 per 100 ml, which falls into the "average" classification (between 100 and 1000). The EI level was 30 per 100 ml. While swimming is not prohibited, this result indicates a higher bacterial presence compared to other tested sites.
Grand Caye Nord
- This location showed good quality water.
- Air temperature was 32.0°C and water was 29.8°C.
- Transparency was 1.5 meters.
- E. Coli levels were less than 15, and EI was 15 per 100 ml.
Petite Plage
- The water at Petite Plage was of good quality.
- Air temperature was 31.7°C and water was 30.2°C.
- Transparency was high at 2.5 meters.
- Bacteriological levels for both E. Coli and EI were minimal, at less than 15 per 100 ml.
In summary, nearly all tested beaches on Saint-Martin offer excellent conditions for swimming. Bathers should note the average quality rating for Grand-Case beach in this latest round of testing.